News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 25, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Applauds Passage of Executive Request Education Bill

Legislation to Give Universities More Authority in Setting Tuition

OLYMPIA – April 25, 2003 – Gov. Gary Locke today applauded House passage of legislation that would give state colleges and universities more tuition-setting authority. The bill was introduced this session at the request of the governor.

Locke today thanked the prime sponsors of the legislation – Sen. Don Carlson, R-Vancouver, and Rep. Phyllis Kenney, D-Seattle.

“This legislation reiterates our commitment to higher education and continued effort to improve the economic health of the state through a highly-educated work force,” he said. “I am delighted the Legislature passed our bill and look forward to its arrival in my office.”

Senate Bill 5448 gives state colleges and universities the authority to increase tuition for graduate and out-of-state students. The governor requested the legislation to enable state colleges and universities to remain competitive and continue to provide the best education possible. The governor has 20 days to sign the legislation after the end of the regular session on Sunday.

Boeing and other companies across the state strongly supported the legislation. “By giving our colleges and universities greater flexibility in tuition-setting authority, we will ensure that they can continue to produce new engineers and other future knowledge workers for Boeing and other Washington businesses,” Locke said.

The legislation imposes a six-year time limit authorizing the universities’ governing boards to establish tuition rates for all students other than undergraduate resident students. During that time, the Legislature, Governor’s Office and the higher education institutions will evaluate whether the new policy achieves the goal of maintaining quality and access for all who are eligible for and can benefit from a higher education.

Lee Huntsman, interim president of the University of Washington, said, “The legislation will also allow colleges and universities to plan further ahead and have more predictable tuition policies for graduate and professional students.”

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